Young's callup appears near

By MARC TOPKIN
Published August 28, 2006

BALTIMORE - The Devil Rays appear poised to call up controversial prospect Delmon Young and put him in the lineup Tuesday in Chicago.

With Jonny Gomes expected to go on the disabled list after his sore right shoulder is examined today and Ty Wigginton sent to Triple-A Durham for a rehabilitation assignment of at least several games, the Rays are likely to fill the spot on their roster with Young.

"We'll probably bring somebody to Chicago," manager Joe Maddon said.

The 20-year-old is one of the game's top young talents but has also caused considerable trouble. He was suspended 50 games after throwing his bat at an umpire during an April 26 game, and created more controversy in late July when he made comments to USA Today critical of the organization, saying, "I don't know what they're waiting for" in calling up their top prospects and "They always have excuses." He also ripped the organization at the end of last season when he was not called up.

Since returning from the suspension, Young has played well, hitting .318 with eight homers and 57 RBIs for the Bulls. And according to former Bulls teammate Kevin Witt, Young has improved his attitude, making "a big adjustment in how's he handling himself."

The Rays were expected to call Young up after Durham's season ends Sept. 4 because they need to determine if he can be their everyday rightfielder next season.